Read a full match report of the League Two play-off final between Stevenage
and Torquay United at Old Trafford on Saturday May 28 2011.

Lovable rogues Stevenage have secured back-to-back promotions. Lewis Hamilton, born in the town, would be proud of their acceleration from non-league to League One.

It has been a bruising ride though, not an elegant one. Stevenage are direct and physical, thriving on long balls rapidly hoisted out to their wings, and have been criticised for gamesmanship this season.

But the strength and determination of Graham Westley’s men must be admired. John Mousinho’s 20-yard strike was enough against Torquay, who had not conceded against Stevenage in the clubs’ past four meetings.

Westley took the club to the Football League for the first time this season and this has been another outstanding campaign, during which they knocked Newcastle out of the FA Cup. They dominated the first half then soaked up all the pressure Torquay threw at them later.

“People say it’s the best way up and it’s a great feeling,” said Westley. “I thought it would be the shock of our lives in League Two. But we worked hard.”

Playing this match at Old Trafford felt like having a party at a palatial home when the parents are distracted by an evening out, as Manchester United were at Wembley for the Champions League final.

Stevenage soon looked far more at home with Darius Charles frequently being the centre of attention. The striker shot high from the edge of the 18-yard box after nervous-looking Scott Bevan spilled a cross.

He also had a penalty appeal turned down as Kevin Nicholson seemed to shove him. Next, his close-range header bounced over.

Finally, Charles was the source of Stevenage’s deserved goal, holding the ball up then teeing up Mousinho for a well-struck drive.

Torquay came close to a speedy response as Guy Branston headed off-target and they kept up that pressure early in the second half with Billy Kee’s angled, eight-yard shot saved by Chris Day.

The Devon club were frustrated again when Chris Zebroski’s 65th-minute shot hit the side-netting and impressive winger Jake Robinson had an 18-yard shot stopped by Day .

Darren Murphy sent a six-yard header wide for Stevenage, but Torquay kept going as Robinson hit the bar with a dipping, long-range strike.

That was the closest Buckle’s team came though. He had a meeting with his board on Saturday night and is expected to join Bristol Rovers.

“It might be the right time for me to move,” said Buckle. “I thought we created the better chances. But theirs was a great strike.”